Paramount Theatre Tours

Paramount Theatre


Come and see the ballet, a concert or a stand-up comedy performance at this spectacular art deco theater in the heart of Oakland.

Step into the lobby of Paramount Theatre and admire the shining gold ornamentation and the attention to detail in every part of the room. Get to your seat before the lights dim to admire the spectacular auditorium. Take a tour of the building or enjoy a drink in the bar. It’s worth getting here early since the building is as impressive as the entertainment.

The Paramount Theatre was designed in the art deco style by architect Timothy L. Pflueger and was completed in 1931. When constructed it was the largest multipurpose theater on the west coast with seating for over 3,000 people. Some of the world’s most famous acts have played on the stage. Musicians Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley, comedians Bill Cosby and Chris Rock and classical ensembles including regular performances from the Oakland East Bay Symphony Orchestra have helped make this one of California’s most famous entertainment venues.

Dress up and come to watch the ballet. Paramount Theatre is home to the Oakland Ballet Company, with classic performances in May and December. Stay for another week and you will almost certainly have the chance to come and watch something completely different: a rock concert from one of the world’s best bands, a stand-up comedy show from a household name, a performance by the Oakland East Bay Symphony Orchestra or a screening of a classic Hollywood film.

Whatever performance you come to watch, be sure to look around the building as well. The grand lobby with its golden “canopy of light” on the ceiling and walls is a stunning sight. Make time to enjoy a drink in the bar and explore other areas such as the men’s and women’s smoking rooms. If you want to learn about the building in detail, attend one of the tours that are offered on mornings of the first and third Saturdays of every month. They last around two hours and there is a small charge for participation.

The Paramount Theatre is located on Broadway in downtown Oakland. All Oakland’s public transportation has stops nearby. Note that the tours don’t run on holiday weekends.

Plan a trip to see Paramount Theatre

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
Vino Bello Resort
Alila Napa Valley, a Hyatt Luxury Resort

Browse tours and tickets to explore Paramount Theatre

Tours & day trips

See all 269 activities

History & culture

See all 110 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 72 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 42 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 41 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Paramount Theatre

Moxy Oakland Uptown

Moxy Oakland Uptown

2.5 out of 5
2225 TELEGRAPH AVENUE, Oakland, CA
Moxy Oakland Uptown
Residence Inn by Marriott Oakland Downtown

Residence Inn by Marriott Oakland Downtown

3.5 out of 5
1431 Jefferson Street, Oakland, CA
Residence Inn by Marriott Oakland Downtown
Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

4 out of 5
2455 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Oakland Marriott City Center

Oakland Marriott City Center

4 out of 5
1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Oakland Marriott City Center
AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown

AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown

3.5 out of 5
1431 JEFFERSON STREET, BUILDING B, Oakland, CA
AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown
Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center

Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center

2.5 out of 5
378 11th Street, Oakland, CA
Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center
Ramada by Wyndham Oakland Downtown City Center

Ramada by Wyndham Oakland Downtown City Center

2.5 out of 5
371 13th St, Oakland, CA
Ramada by Wyndham Oakland Downtown City Center
Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown

3 out of 5
988 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown
Jack London Inn

Jack London Inn

2 out of 5
444 Embarcadero W, Oakland, CA
Jack London Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Paramount Theatre

When visiting the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California, enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including theater performances, sports events, and entertainment options. Consider taking a backstage tour for a unique glimpse behind the scenes, or catch a performance by the Oakland Ballet Company. You can also explore custom trips and the Legend Tour for an enriching experience in this vibrant area.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Oakland City Center, just 0.5 miles from Paramount Theatre, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Public Market Emeryville, 3 miles away, features a lively mix of local vendors. If you're up for a drive, visit Winery Collective, located 8 miles away, for unique wine-related gifts.

Recreation

Explore Tilden Regional Park for serene nature walks and breathtaking views, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. For entertainment, catch a live show at the nearby Fox Theater, just 0.1 mile away, immersing yourself in the vibrant local arts scene.

Adventure

Explore the Embarcadero Bay Bicycle Trail, located 0.4 miles from Paramount Theatre, for a refreshing outdoor ride. For climbing enthusiasts, Berkeley Iron Works, 3 miles away, offers thrilling challenges. Dive into adventure with Great White Adventures, also 3 miles away, where underwater sports await.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Paramount Theatre is vibrant and diverse. Catch a show at the Greek Theater, just 5 miles away, or enjoy a romantic movie at the Grand Lake Theater, only a mile away. For a fun adventure, check out Plank, an arcade and adventure zone, also 1 mile from the theater.

Find the best attractions near Paramount Theatre

When visiting the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including urban parks, event venues, and vibrant streets. Ideal for culture lovers and families alike, you can enjoy local highlights such as the Paramount Theatre, Oakland Arena, and the Oakland Museum. Whether you're looking for entertainment or a taste of the city's rich heritage, there's something for everyone in this lively area.

  • Jack London Square: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jack London Square, a bustling waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy scenic views of the marina while indulging in local cuisine or attending events that celebrate the city’s culture.
  • Moscone Convention Center: As a premier event venue, Moscone Convention Center hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Its modern design and strategic location make it a hub for business professionals, offering networking opportunities and a dynamic atmosphere.
  • University of California, Berkeley: Explore the historic campus of UC Berkeley, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. Wander through beautiful gardens, visit museums, and soak in the academic vibe that has shaped many influential thinkers.

Best time to go to Paramount Theatre

The best time to visit Paramount Theatre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June61.9°F (16.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
August64.0°F (17.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
September64.6°F (18.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
November55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
December51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Paramount Theatre

To save money on your trip to the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, consider visiting in February or November to December when prices are lower. Fridays offer the best hotel rates, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find the best deals by sorting hotels from lowest to highest price and consider combining your hotel with flights for extra savings. Joining the Expedia One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and utilize affordable public transport options to navigate the city efficiently.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Paramount Theatre are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Paramount Theatre is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Paramount Theatre is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to customize your criteria based on your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange the search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Paramount Theatre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.